20th Anniversary Celebration & Tribute to The Supremes

✦ ✦ ✦

The following text was transcribed verbatim from the 20th Anniversary Performance.

“This is a very special part of the program for us, it’s what we’re all about, how we got here. That’s right, we’ve come a long way. It’s been a long time since I left Detroit and came to California in 1973 to join The Supremes. Yes, I’m so proud to have been a part of that legacy, that history. Knowing that we are one of eight is something to be really proud of. We’d like to put forth in public a special acknowledgment to those Ladies as our tribute to them.” — Scherrie Payne

“One of the reasons we wanted to do this is because we are Supreme Sisters, no matter what happens, no matter who says what, however it goes, we are all Supreme Sisters. People like to do tributes after people are gone, but we thought, no — we’re going to do this now, because we want our sisters to know how we really feel. We came behind them, they were the trailblazers and so we had the outstanding opportunity of becoming one of The Supremes and we all appreciate that very much. So we chose to do this tribute to them.” — Lynda Laurence

“All the way from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This young lady is someone I’ve known a long time, because she’s my sister. When we had the occasion that it was necessary to fill a spot, she graciously came in and did it, and did it very well. So we asked her to come tonight to be with us because we wanted to honor her. Ladies and gentlemen, my incredibly talented sister, Ms. Sundray Tucker.” — Lynda Laurence

“This next person, I really have to hold back the tears because she is truly an incredible lady. When I first joined The Supremes there was a lot of music to learn. Just what you hear us do is the tip of the iceberg, right, you guys know the book is very thick. She lovingly, kindly, patiently, taught me every song that they were able to sing. Her graciousness has always been realized in my life. I am so honored to say any sort of tribute to her. Please give a warm round of applause for the fantastic Ms. Cindy Birdsong!” — Lynda Laurence

“Although Ms. Jean Terrell was unable to make it this evening we honor her as well. She stepped into some very large shoes, and she did it very well. So we definitely honor her!” — Lynda Laurence

(As depicted above, Shoshanna Payne-Phillips, Scherrie’s daughter, assists Lynda Laurence in distributing the awards.)

“As well as Mary Wilson — if it had not been for Mary, I would not be on this stage right now. And of course the fabulous diva herself Ms. Diana Ross. What can I say, she conquered the world with such style and class. We honor her.” — Scherrie Payne

An award was also given to Ms. Florence Ballard (posthumously) and will be delivered to her daughters.

“We saved the other little lady with the big voice for last. She’s such a treasure to me. So many times when I was a little down Susaye was the one who brought me back up. She is truly my sister and I love her! Ladies and gentlemen the last, the eighth Supreme, Ms. Susaye Greene…! Last, but certainly not least she is incredibly talented.” — Scherrie Payne

“This next young lady is celebrating an anniversary as well. She’s been with us for ten years. We thank her and we honor her!” — Scherrie Payne & Lynda Laurence

(Freddi’s award was presented to her by her lovely daughter Ms. Demetria Poole.)

Cindy Birdsong recites lyrics to a song she wrote about the Ladies. Cindy Birdsong tells the Ladies “You’re The Best!”